SAN DIEGO -- Republican Lt Governor nominee Ron Nehring today issued the following statement in response to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the large number of Central American children crossing into the United States, some of whom will now be processed in California: "The children who are being sent across dangerous terrain to enter America illegally are the victims of the failure of the federal government to create a safe, secure and modern border. Poor economic and security conditions in Central America, combined with the rumor mill and the existence of cartels engaged in human, weapons and drug trafficking have precipitated this crisis in which the children are the real victims. "America needs a sound immigration system that serves our national and economic interests and respects our traditions of being a nation of immigrants. I strongly support improvements to our immigration system based on these principles. "Today, we must look out for these children by treating those who have come here with care while preventing more children from being further victimized. Those who have entered the country should be reunited with their families in their country of origin.